Couples elected into World Golf Hall of Fame
Fred Couples earned his place in the World Golf Hall of Fame.
The former Masters champion and one of the game's most popular figures, Couples will be enshrined next May, officials announced Wednesday.
Couples, 52, has 15 wins on the PGA Tour, including the 1992 Masters. Next year, he will become a three-time captain of the Presidents Cup team.
"There are other people in the Hall of Fame that are maybe good players. But good is a good thing," Couples told reporters from Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. "I've been good at it for a long time, and I hope to continue to play a few more years."
Couples was named on 51 percent of PGA Tour ballots, a record low for election. The minimum for election is 65 percent, though if no one reaches that percentage, the leading vote-getter earned induction provided he has at least 50 percent of the vote.
Vijay Singh was elected in 2005 with 56 percent.
Voters consist of international golf and sports media, Hall of Fame members, golf and sports historians and representatives from each of the major golf organizations.
"I've won 15 times and a major and all that," Couples said. "But I think one of the things I've done well is played for a long time. Sometimes that is meaningless. I think when you get in the Hall of Fame, it's more about the finishes you've had, and I know a lot about the Baseball Hall of Fame. I know a little bit about the Football Hall of Fame, and the way they talk about some people not getting in and waiting a long time."
